J Korean Rheum Assoc.  2002 Jun;9(2):141-145.

A Case of Rapid Destruction of Hip Joint Associated with a Subchondral Insufficiency Fracture

• Min JK
• Kim JA
• Sung MS

Abstract

We report a case of rapidly destructive arthrosis of hip joint (RDA) associated with a subchondral insufficiency fracture (SIF) in a 77-year-old female patient. She complained of left hip joint pain which became progressively worse. Findings on radiographs obtained shortly after the onset of hip pain were unremarkable except for osteopenia. However, within 9 months after onset of pain, joint space narrowing rapidly progressed with collapse. She was diagnosed clinically as RDA related to osteonecrosis. She was treated by total hip replacement. The evidence of SIF was confirmed histologically by the presence of a unique granulomatous lesion in the marrow space, which consisted of amorphous debris and fragmented bone surrounded by giant cells. There was no evidence of antecedent osteonecrosis. Osteopenia and overweight were considered as predisposing factors of SIF and rapid joint destruction in this case.

Keyword

rapidly destructive arthrosis of hip joint; subchondral insuffiiecy fracture

MeSH Terms

Aged
Arthralgia
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip
Bone Diseases, Metabolic
Bone Marrow
Causality
Female
Fractures, Stress*
Giant Cells
Hip Joint*
Hip*
Humans
Joints
Osteonecrosis
Overweight